On Wednesday, the Argentina team will take on England in the World Cup semi-final for the first time in Messi’s career.
The 39-year-old captain has done almost everything in football but play a match against the England football team
Messi recently appeared for the 200th time for his country and will be looking to take his side to the World Cup semi-finals.
Messi first appeared for Argentina at the age of 18 in 2005 in a friendly match against Hungary. It was a tough beginning though as he was sent off the field less than two minutes after he came on the field.
He was forced to miss a friendly against England later in the year because of that red card. Since then, there has not been a match between Argentina and England.
In a pre-match interview, Messi said he had almost faced every national side other than England and is looking forward to the challenge, particularly in a World Cup semi-final.
Read more: FIFA under fire after Messi avoids red card in controversial incident
The match has also reminded people of the iconic quarter-final clash of the 1986 World Cup, in which Diego Maradona scored a pair of unforgettable goals against England.
The Argentine is being compared to Maradona again and has the opportunity to forge another special chapter in Argentina’s football history.
Messi has been in excellent form at this World Cup. He has the world record of 21 goals in his 32 World Cup appearances.
He didn’t score in the quarter-final victory over Switzerland, but Argentina’s other players, such as Julian Alvarez, did make it into the last four.
England defender Nico O’Reilly described Messi as the “best player I’ve ever seen” and stated that he admires the “man” and “facing him in a match would be a special moment”.
Has Messi ever faced England before?
A: No. He is to face England for the first time in his career in the semi-final of the World Cup.
Why is it significant for Argentina to win this game?
A victory will bring Argentina another World Cup final and ensure hopes of title defence.
Also read: Argentina beat Austria 2-0 as Messi sets new record
